Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1935

Average_duration

:

1:18

"Strings in the Earth and Air" is a composition for voice and string quartet composed by Samuel Barber in 1956. The piece was premiered on May 6, 1956, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., with soprano Leontyne Price and the Juilliard String Quartet. The piece consists of three movements, each of which sets a poem by James Joyce. The first movement, "Strings in the Earth and Air," sets a short poem that describes the beauty of nature. The second movement, "The Twilight Turns," is a more melancholy piece that describes the passing of time. The final movement, "The Secrets of the Old," is a more mysterious and introspective piece that explores the secrets of the past. Barber's setting of the poems is characterized by his use of lush harmonies and expressive melodies. The string quartet provides a rich and varied accompaniment to the voice, with each instrument taking turns to play the melody or provide a counterpoint to the vocal line. The vocal part is also highly expressive, with the soprano required to convey a range of emotions through her singing. Overall, "Strings in the Earth and Air" is a beautiful and evocative piece that showcases Barber's skill as a composer. Its combination of poetry and music creates a powerful emotional impact that is sure to resonate with audiences.

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